Tool #8: How to be Successful in the Multicultural Workplace Employee Success Toolkit Copyright Harriet Meyerson 2008 .

Tool #8:

How to be Successful in the Multicultural Workplace

Employee Success Toolkit

Copyright Harriet Meyerson 2008 • www.ConfidenceCenter.com


© Harriet Meyerson, 2008 • www.ConfidenceCenter.com

What Does a Multicultural Workplace Mean to You?

Exposure to new: Foods Arts Lifestyles

Adapting to different ways of getting the job done.



What are Different Types of Cultures?

1. People from other countries

2. Other races or ethnic groups

3. Different religions4. Age differences

Generation X, Generation Y, Baby Boomers, etc.

5. Male vs. Female6. Different backgrounds

Grew up in the country, big city, etc.



Keep an Open MindEverybody benefits from shared knowledge.

People from other cultures may be able to show you a new way to accomplish a task.

You may be able to teach them something new.



Increase Your Cultural Awareness

Innovation and progress depend upon new ideas.

A multicultural workplace allows for many different perspectives.



Develop Intercultural Communication Skills

Talk to co-workers about each other’s cultures. Ask about ways to

communicate better with them.

Invite someone from a different culture to have dinner at your home.

Ask to be included in your co-workers’ cultural celebrations.



Be Sensitive to Diverse Customs

Ask your co-worker what is considered offensive or polite. A gesture or style of talking may seem polite to

someone in one culture, but seem offensive to someone from another culture.

Do some research on the different cultures represented at work. Credible internet sites Books Movies



For Example…

The American gesture for “bye-bye” means “come here” to some people from Southeast Asia.



Celebrate Workplace Diversity

Give a presentation about your culture. Share stories of

childhood experiences. Show pictures. Explain customs. Bring snacks typical of

your culture.

Encourage co-workers to give presentations about their cultures.




Quiz & Discussion Questions



Question 1

A multicultural workplace means you may have coworkers who have a different approach to ________________.



Question 2

A co-worker from another culture may show you _____ ______ to accomplish a task.



Question 3

In order to develop skills to understand diversity, you could: ____________.



Question 4

Behaviors vary according to culture. For example, the American gesture of _____ means __________ to some people from Southeast Asia.



Question 5

Name 3 ways you can celebrate diversity in the workplace.



Set Your Goals

What are your

three main goals to be successful in the multicultural workplace?

Tool #8: How to be Successful in the Multicultural Workplace Employee Success Toolkit Copyright Harriet Meyerson 2008 .

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